It’s Christmas Eve and we’re counting down the hours to the big day!  If your house is on Santa’s list to visit tonight, don’t forget to leave him some milk and cookies! 

If your cookies are homemade, make an extra batch of cookies to eat as a treat on Christmas day or during the holiday period.  You’ll also want to be sure that your cookies stay fresh by storing them in either a plastic food storage container or cookie jar.   Cookie jars are great because they are decorative enough to leave on the countertop.  Cookie jars also come in a wide range of sizes, designs and styles. 

The following cookie jars are also multi-purpose containers because they include salt and pepper shakers!  These cookie jars are great space savers and can be an excellent solution for homeowners with minimal counter space.   
If you prefer the charm and simplicity of ceramic kitchen canisters, pick your favorite color and purchase a set of three.  Kitchen canisters can be used, not only store cookies, but to store sugar, coffee, tea and flour.

Jacquie Ross is a Maryland based Professional Organizer, writer, speaker and owner of CastAway the Clutter! Jacquie has been writing for Home Storage USA since 2007 and is presently the “Ask the Organizer” expert. A member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), NAPO-Baltimore Chapter, and Maryland Association of Professional Organizers, she shows homeowners how to reclaim their time and space, and offers organizing and time management workshops and group presentations. Jacquie also writes a column at the Baltimore Examiner, called Organized Families.  Contact Jacquie by clicking here. Visit CastAway the Clutter to sign up for her free organizing tips and learn more about her presentations at www.castawaytheclutter.com

All canisters and cookie jars can be found online at Home Storage Warehouse.

With a little over a week before Christmas day, last minute shoppers will be crowding the shopping malls this weekend trying to find the perfect gift.  Sometimes it’s just easier to save time and shop online.   Even though you may pay a little for shipping, you are less likely to impulse shop as much as when you shop in a physical store, saving you money in the long run.

Many online stores have special shipping deals and guarantee delivery by December 24th if you get your orders in now and select overnight or 2nd day shipping.  However, it’s important to check the store’s policy first before placing your order.  Sometimes a quick phone call or email will get you the answer you need in order to avoid disappointment. 

If shopping at the last minute creates undue stress for you, make a decision today to be more organized next year by planning your holiday shopping earlier!  Here are some gift ideas from Home Storage Warehouse :

All of the above gift items can be found in the following departments at Home Storage Warehouse:

All Occasion Gifts
Jewelry Storage
Men’s Dresser Valets
Cosmetic Organizers
Pet Organizers
Wine Storage

Another option is to purchase gift certificates.  Gift certificates can be shipped quickly and are usually always in stock.

Jacquie Ross is a Maryland based Professional Organizer, writer, speaker and owner of CastAway the Clutter! Jacquie has been writing for Home Storage USA since 2007 and is presently the “Ask the Organizer” expert. A member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), NAPO-Baltimore Chapter, and Maryland Association of Professional Organizers, she shows homeowners how to reclaim their time and space, and offers organizing and time management workshops and group presentations. Jacquie also writes a column at the Baltimore Examiner, called Organized Families.  Contact Jacquie by clicking here. Visit CastAway the Clutter to sign up for her free organizing tips and learn more about her presentations at www.castawaytheclutter.com

Jewelry boxes can be a special place for young girls to store and organize their jewelry, trinkets and valued possessions.  Many jewelry boxes are adorned with pretty pink ballerina designs that most girls will love. The fact that jewelry boxes are also functional and keeps their jewelry organized is a plus, but it’s not usually why girls love them!

A jewelry box, that is also musical, can be a special gift that any young girl would love.  If she loves ballerinas, there are many ballerina musical jewelry boxes to choose from.  I remember having a musical jewelry box as a child and it was something that I cherished for many years. I loved watching the ballerina spin as the music played. 

If you want to give a gift that your daughter or grand-daughter enjoy for many years to come, consider getting a musical jewelry box.  Click here to learn more about these girls jewelry gift boxes. 

Typically, most holiday parties are done in buffet style due to the large quantity of guests being served.  Being able to bake, cook and display buffet style also gives the host more time to actually spend enjoying her party and guests, and less time in the kitchen. 

To maximize the space on the dining or buffet table and also provide visual interest, use servers or caddies that are stacked vertically.  By using the vertical space, you will use less horizontal space, allowing you to get more food on the table, while eliminating a cluttered or cramped look.  You can find caddy serveware that hold sauces or dips, and plate caddies that elegantly display guest plates using wrought iron or metal holders. 

Getting everything organized for a holiday party, including decluttering surfaces and spaces, tidying, cleaning and decorating, can be stressful enough without the worries of how you’re going to get everything on the table.   Elegant iron serveware can make the simplest food appear fancy!

Plate caddy server

3 tray iron caddy

Jacquie Ross is a Maryland based Professional Organizer, writer, speaker and owner of CastAway the Clutter! Jacquie has been writing for Home Storage USA since 2007 and is presently the “Ask the Organizer” expert. A member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), NAPO-Baltimore Chapter, and Maryland Association of Professional Organizers, she shows homeowners how to reclaim their time and space, and offers organizing and time management workshops and group presentations. Jacquie also writes a column at the Baltimore Examiner, called Organized Families.  Contact Jacquie by clicking here. Visit CastAway the Clutter to sign up for her free organizing tips and learn more about her presentations at www.castawaytheclutter.com